Restaurant owner goes extra mile

Anniversary surprise:Jeane and Jim Taddonio, age 70 and 71, celebrated their 30th anniversary this month by boogie boarding at La Jolla Shores. They then changed into dressier attire in a beach restroom and dashed off to make their reservation for a romantic Italian dinner at Voce Del Mare in Bird Rock.

The restaurant was closed when they arrived. However, waiting on the patio to greet them was owner Daniel Dorado, who contritely apologized. When the Taddonios had made their reservation, he had forgotten his staff was catering a private party elsewhere that evening. Unable to reach them, Dorado came to the restaurant to wait for them.

He invited the couple in for free sparkling wine and dessert. Next to two waiting place settings was a letter offering them a future dinner for two at no charge.

“Talk about ‘customer service,’” said Jeane. They chatted for an hour with the “charming” owner.

A young couple who came to the door was invited to join the party. Turns out, they had just observed their first anniversary.